Kunstsilo by the quay. Photo: Alan Williams
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Kunstsilo Kristiansand

4.6
·629 reviews·, Norway

A stunning architectural marvel, Kunstsilo transforms a historic grain silo into a world-class art museum housing the Tangen Collection.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Avoid crowds, enjoy natural light

CrowdLow
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Kunstsilo by the quay. Photo: Alan Williams

Kunstsilo Kristiansand

Best Time

Summer mornings

Avoid crowds, enjoy natural light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning architectural marvel, Kunstsilo transforms a historic grain silo into a world-class art museum housing the Tangen Collection.

4.6
(629 reviews)

"The adaptation of the old building is amazing; the building itself is a work of art."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book tickets online

Save time by purchasing tickets in advance, especially for popular times.

🚶‍♀️ Explore every floor

Each level offers unique exhibitions and architectural details.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Tangen Collection

The Tangen Collection

Various floors

Explore the world's largest collection of Nordic Modernism, a stunning gift to Kristiansand.

Instagram
Architectural Transformation

Architectural Transformation

Entire building

Marvel at the ingenious conversion of a historic grain silo into a contemporary art space.

Instagram+1
Textile Art

Textile Art

Fourth floor

Discover the impressive 'Draumkvedet' tapestry, a monumental work illustrating a medieval poem.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

While not always mandatory, booking your Kunstsilo tickets online can save you time, especially during peak seasons. Check their website for special events or exhibitions that might require advance purchase. Instagram

Embrace the Architecture

The Kunstsilo itself is a marvel, a repurposed grain silo. Allow time to appreciate its unique design and how art is integrated within this industrial structure. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Avoid crowds, enjoy natural light
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer visitors, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings during events
Why
Unique atmosphere, special exhibits
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

👇🏻2 WEEK ITINERARY for NORWAY 🇳🇴🏔️🌿 You can start this itinerary in Oslo, Kristiansand (ferry harbour) or Stavanger. The best time is in the summer months. 📌 Lysefjorden I highly recommend the famous hikes to Preikestolen and Kjeragbolten! Start early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. If you have time, drive the scenic Lysevegen route (beautiful zigzag road). 📌 Odda Visi...
@laraswayfare
69.6K likes • 1.2M views

🎟️ Book tickets online

Save time by purchasing tickets in advance, especially for popular times. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore every floor

Each level offers unique exhibitions and architectural details. Reddit

Ever seen a cannon so massive you could fit inside the barrel? 🤯 Meet the 38cm SK cannon at Møvik fortress in Kristiansand, Norway. . . #History #WWII #Cannon #Norway #Military #drone #travel
@timantons1
28.9K likes • 305.1K views
Blir russetida avlyst? Si din mening om hvordan russetida burde se ut på Kunstsilo 10. mars 📢‼️⁠ ⁠ 📲 Arrangement er gratis og du sikrer billett via link i bio, eller på Kunstsilos nettside.⁠ ⁠ #fvn #fædrelandsvennen #kunstsilo #russetid #russ #kristiansand #videregående
fvn.no
88 likes • 9.9K views

☕ Enjoy the cafe

Relax with a coffee and a treat at the ground-floor cafe. Reddit

🎁 Visit the gift shop

Find unique souvenirs and art-related items. Reddit

KJEKT I KRISTIANSAND Jeg er blitt glad i Kristiansand. Er på snartur for å oppleve Kunstsilo, god mat og hyggelige mennesker. Deilig å høre Domkirkeklokkene spille påskesalmer ♥️ #travel #postcard #kristiansand
carlpetterklarinetter
13 likes • 365 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book tickets online

Save time by purchasing tickets in advance, especially for popular times. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore every floor

Each level offers unique exhibitions and architectural details. Reddit

☕ Enjoy the cafe

Relax with a coffee and a treat at the ground-floor cafe. Reddit

🎁 Visit the gift shop

Find unique souvenirs and art-related items. Reddit

🎧 Consider a guided tour

Gain deeper insights into the art and building. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(629 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Kunstsilo, praising its stunning architectural adaptation of a historic grain silo and the impressive Tangen Collection of Nordic Modernism. The museum is described as a world-class destination, offering a unique and thoughtful experience with engaging exhibits and a pleasant atmosphere. Some minor points of feedback include the entry fee and the desire for more varied exhibition content.

"Loved it. The adaptation of the old building is amazing so the building itself is a work of art. I really enjoyed going there. The textile work displayed in one of the floors is extremely interesting and beautiful and I was quite impressed by it."

Pedro Antunes

"A must visit if visiting Kristiansand, especially if the weather is closing in. Many floors of exhibitions and displays. A great gift shop and restaurant on the ground floor. Incredibly clever architecture. NK200 entry to the floors and exhibits."

Steven Hutchinson

"What a beautiful museum. The design is truly an architectural delight.

There's also a wonderful area where the younger children learn what art is. Wonderful design inside as well.

There's a lovely Cafe and gift shop."

Tina Rodwilk

What People Like

Amazing architecture
World-class art collection
Unique building conversion

What People Dislike

Entry fee can be high

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kunstsilo is located in Kristiansand, Norway. It's easily accessible by public transport within the city. Many visitors arrive by ferry to Kristiansand and then take local transport to the museum. TikTokInstagram

Information on specific parking availability near Kunstsilo can be found on their official website or local Kristiansand parking guides. It's often recommended to use public transport due to its central location. Instagram

Yes, Kunstsilo is centrally located and can be a pleasant walk from many parts of Kristiansand, including Fiskebrygga and Kilden Performing Arts Centre. Instagram

Kristiansand is a walkable city, and public buses are available. For exploring further afield, consider renting a car or using local taxi services. TikTok

Kunstsilo is designed to be accessible. Check their official website for detailed information on elevators, ramps, and accessible facilities. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the main exhibitions typically costs around NK200. It's always best to check the official Kunstsilo website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts. Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons or for special events, to guarantee entry and avoid queues. Instagram

Opening hours can vary depending on the season and special exhibitions. Always consult the official Kunstsilo website for the most up-to-date information on opening times. Instagram

Information about free entry days or specific times is usually announced on the Kunstsilo website or social media channels. Keep an eye out for any special promotions. Instagram

Yes, tickets are generally available for purchase at the door, but booking online is advised to ensure availability and potentially save time. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The Tangen Collection is the world's largest private collection of Nordic Modernism, gifted to Kristiansand and housed at Kunstsilo. It features art from 1920-1990. InstagramReddit

Kunstsilo primarily displays Nordic Modernism from the Tangen Collection, but also features contemporary art and special exhibitions. Instagram+1

Yes, Kunstsilo offers guided tours daily, providing context and deeper understanding of the artworks and the building's history. Instagram

Yes, there's a dedicated area designed for younger children to learn about art in an engaging way. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is allowed, but flash photography and tripods might be restricted. Check signage or ask staff for specifics. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Kunstsilo has a cafe and gift shop on the ground floor, offering a place to relax and enjoy refreshments. Reddit

The cafe typically offers light meals, coffee, pastries, and drinks. It's a good spot to refuel during your visit. Reddit

Kristiansand has a vibrant food scene, with many restaurants and cafes located near Fiskebrygga and the city center, a short walk from Kunstsilo. Instagram+1

Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the exhibition areas. The cafe is the designated area for consumption. Reddit

Often, museum cafes are accessible to the public without requiring an exhibition ticket, but it's best to confirm this with Kunstsilo directly. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior architecture of the silo itself is highly photogenic. Inside, look for interesting angles of the art and the repurposed industrial elements. Instagram+1

Tripod usage is often restricted in art museums to protect artworks and avoid obstructing other visitors. Check Kunstsilo's specific photography policy. TikTok

Drone photography is generally not permitted inside or immediately around cultural institutions like Kunstsilo due to safety and privacy concerns. TikTok

Natural light can be beautiful inside the silo, especially during the day. Consider visiting during opening hours for optimal lighting conditions. TikTok

The 'Draumkvedet' tapestry is visually striking. Also, look for how the art is integrated with the silo's structure for unique photographic opportunities. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kunstsilo offers a welcoming environment for families. There's a dedicated area where younger children can engage with art in a fun and interactive way, making it an educational and enjoyable outing for the whole family. Reddit The museum's unique architecture, the repurposed silo, can also spark children's imagination. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to allow children more space to explore and interact with the exhibits. TikTok

🎨 Art Enthusiasts

For serious art lovers, Kunstsilo is a must-visit. The Tangen Collection, with its vast array of Nordic Modernism, provides an unparalleled opportunity to delve into a significant period of art history. InstagramReddit The museum's commitment to showcasing both historical and contemporary art, coupled with its stunning architectural setting, offers a rich and rewarding experience. Don't miss the guided tours to gain deeper insights into the collection and the building's history. Instagram

🏛️ Architecture Buffs

The architectural transformation of the grain silo into Kunstsilo is a major draw. Appreciate the innovative design that blends industrial heritage with modern museum functionality. Instagram+1 The building itself is a subject of admiration, recognized for its beauty and unique concept. Take time to explore the different levels and observe how the space has been adapted to house art, making it a fascinating study in adaptive reuse. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Transformation: Kunstsilo's Architecture

Kunstsilo is a testament to innovative adaptive reuse, transforming a monumental concrete grain silo into a world-class art museum. The building itself is a significant attraction, blending industrial heritage with contemporary design. It took over seven years to convert the listed grain silo into this vibrant art and creativity space. Instagram The architectural vision has been recognized internationally, with Henning Larsen Architects' lighting design and landscape architecture contributing to its aesthetic appeal, making it a setting for over 5,500 artworks. Instagram

The interior design cleverly integrates the raw, imposing structure of the silo with modern exhibition spaces. Visitors often remark on the 'incredibly clever architecture' and how the building itself feels like a work of art. Reddit This unique environment provides a dramatic backdrop for the Tangen Collection, offering a distinct viewing experience that complements the art on display. Instagram

The successful repurposing of the silo has not only preserved a piece of Kristiansand's industrial past but also created a cultural landmark. Its design has even earned nominations for prestigious architectural awards, highlighting its global significance. Instagram

Exploring the Tangen Collection

At the heart of Kunstsilo lies the Tangen Collection, a remarkable gift to Kristiansand comprising the world's largest private collection of Nordic Modernism. This extensive collection focuses on art produced between 1920 and 1990, offering a comprehensive look at a pivotal era in art history. InstagramReddit The sheer scale and quality of the collection make Kunstsilo a significant destination for art enthusiasts.

The artworks are displayed in various configurations, with the collection being 'cycled in different arrangements,' ensuring that repeat visits can offer new discoveries. Reddit This dynamic approach keeps the exhibitions fresh and engaging. Visitors have expressed particular admiration for specific pieces, such as the 'Draumkvedet' tapestry, a monumental textile work that illustrates a medieval poem and took 14 years to complete. Instagram

Nicolai Tangen's vision in amassing this collection has created a unique cultural asset for Norway. The thoughtful curation and presentation within the repurposed silo environment enhance the appreciation of these significant works, making it a truly memorable experience for visitors. Reddit

A Sensory Experience: Sound and Atmosphere

Beyond the visual feast of art and architecture, Kunstsilo offers a subtle yet impactful auditory experience. Visitors have noted the presence of 'small sounds everywhere,' describing them as 'cool background sound' that enhances the overall atmosphere. Reddit This deliberate use of sound design creates an immersive environment that complements the visual displays without being intrusive.

The integration of sound is a testament to the thoughtful planning that went into the museum's design. It adds another layer to the visitor's journey, engaging more senses and contributing to a deeper connection with the space and the art. Reddit This attention to detail elevates Kunstsilo from a mere exhibition space to a holistic sensory destination.

Whether it's the gentle hum of ambient sound or specific audio elements tied to certain exhibits, these sonic touches are part of what makes a visit to Kunstsilo so memorable and 'thought through.' Reddit

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